THE DAY AFTER

My Sunday began with son Ben & Family stopping by before his journey back to Carolina.Savvy enjoyed seeing the license plate collection and asked for the CALIFORNIA plate. I think it's wonderful for this young mind be so curious. Later in the morning I traveled to Birch Hill where Josh & helpers had dismantled the tents and other logistics. It was a happy mood. I took the day in a slow fashion reviewing all of the many cards and gifts.Did watch the Red Sox game. Was told Chase & friend was at the game!Treated myself to a Howard's meal of fried clams and a strawberry shake.Reviewed a a box of silver coins and other goodies. Found Josh's Boys State pin.Banking in the morning. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WONDERFUL 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

It was a generous display of Josh & Heidi. Lobsters were served to those who like lobster and hamburgers to those who didn't. Corn on the cob was sweet and everybody was cheerful.The grandkids helped mom and dad set things up and Steve Magnante of Barrett-Jackson Auto Auctions was the first to arrive. My boyhood friends Jack "Cat" Emerson and Georgie Reeve and wife Maria arrived shortly later. The wind on Birch Hill was formidable as Lily and Maddie struggled to tape on the table covers. Chase drove to Auburn with Evie to pick up the baked lobster. It was a team effort orchestrated by maistro JBP.Birthday greetings was received by generous well wishers.My sister Janet & Ray arrived later.Many photos were snapped documenting my 80th birthday celebration.I am appreciative to all. Son Ben, Alli and Savvy head out for Carolina in the morning.THANK YOU! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BIRTHDAY OF MEANING -80

"YOUR GREATEST SUCCESS ISN'T JUST WHAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED, IT'S WHO YOU'VE BECOME." This is what a birthday card reads from Ben, Allison and Savvy. My 80th Birthday was routine doing laundry and getting dry cleaning. Ben treated me to lunch at 308 Lakeside, East Brookfield where I enjoyed a CONNIE MACK BURGER. Later in the afternoon Josh invited me and Ben & family over to listen to some vinyl i.e. John Denver, Billy Joel and Johnny Cash.Heidi and Josh have worked so hard in preparing for tomorrow's celebration which begins at 3:00 for a lobster bake. I look forward to seeing relatives and friends some I haven't seen in years. Thanks for all greetings today. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS FROM VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON

Weight 160 lbs. The highlight of my Thursday came from a 26 minute phonecall from my college days BILL GROSS in Vancouver, Washington.. I had sent Bill a party invitation. Although Bill can't make the party he did share his sentiments. Son Ben returned from his Maine one day vacation and came to visit Pops for an hour. Tomorrow Ben, Allison and Savvy are taking me to the 308 Lakeside in East Brookfield.Hopefully the weather will clear up. Enjoyed Lean Cusiine Apple Cranberry Chicken for lunch and supper. Spoke briefly with Josh who said he got some last minute stuff for Saturday's 80th Birthday Party. Looks like the weather will be good.Routine Friday with dry cleaning and laundry. Don't know about the Legion? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY FULL WEDNESDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

The cool weather settled in nicely as son Ben stopped by for a visit before heading to Maine with wife Allison. Ben and I are never short for words as we poured over my daily read of the NY Times and USA Today. I headed for the North Brookfield Senior Center and enjoyed the company of Bill and Donna. We have lots of fun as I ate the entire meal two weeks in a row.No mention of my birthday coming up so I said nothing. I returned to WB for a brief nap then returned to Hannaford for my usual $47 worth of food. The green seedless grapes cost me $8.01! I had Ramen Noodles for supper when a call from Josh from Howard's for some black raspberry ice cream. He had three girls..Maddie, Evie and Savvy. It whas the highlight of my long day. Evie & Savvy were all laughs..Maddie was pensive.As I was leaving in my red Allante' a gentleman walked over saying "you fit the car to a T."..OK google! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

EB FLATTS FOR BREAKFAST

It was a cool beginning for son Ben, wife Allison and daughter Savvy. I hadn't eaten at EB for some 8-9 months. The service was slow and the food good. I had a big stack of blueberry pancakes and bacon. Little Savvy devoured my bacon! We then traveled to North Brookfield where the GULF Station nears completion. We then headed to New Braintree for a view of the Police Academy. Ben & Alli are heading to Maine for an "overnight." It was a pleasant visit by all. In the afternoon I enjoyed watching the Smithsonian Channel featuring "Trains" in Australia and Europe. My haircut came from Josh at 4:00. It will be a cool night. Getting ready for my 80th!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SON BEN ALONE

Son Ben arrived alone after a tiring motor trip from Pittsburgh.We agreed to do breakfast tomorrow with Allison and Savannah.It was good seeing Ben. Received a box of lancets from the VA. I returned a box to Hannaford for $15 bought last week. Enjoyed a Lean Cuisine Apple Cranberry Chicken for lunch and supper. My curiosity for this Monday was to watch LBJ Part I,II and III as narrated by David McCullough. As I am a Vietnam Veteran I like reviewing this documentary. Tomorrow is Social Security pay day.Will do my banking before Ben & Family arrive. Don't know where we will eat? Called Josh for a haircut...maybe later in the day. This was a good Monday. Had a 2 minute downpour at 5:00 pm. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SON BEN, WIFE ALLISON AND DAUGHTER SAVVY ARRIVE

It has been more than 7 months since Ben & and family were here. They are here for the week and will take part on my 80th birthday celebration on Saturday. We will take in the area sights. I look forward to seeing Savannah. This Sunday was spent watching the Hall of Fame ceremonies. I found it interesting seeing all of the "old timers" give their speeches. Big Papi was eloquent in his bilingual delivery in Spanish and English. The heat of the day continues... above 90 again.Ben will stop by at 10:00 tomorrow morning. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BETTER FRIDAY

Weight 159.2 lbs. I am encouraged with my weight gain. After a usual "super" breakfast I enjoyed a Lean Cuisine Apple Cranberry Chicken lunch. The heat didn't seem to be as bad today.I spent the afternoon reviewing blogs. On June 9,2007 I wrote "AUCTIONEER'S AUCTIONEER my story about my late friend and brother J. Maurice Barfield. I will send it to Mary Helen Barfield, his widow. Another catchy title was "ON RAISING SONS" There's wisdom in my story.."Let your kids make mistakes." Another is 'RESTORING AN ANTIQUE HOUSE" of which I have much experience. And finally "RICHARD B. JOHNSON" of which there are many from his book "ABOMININABLE FIREBUG" to the exploits on his yellow Hummer. Finally, Jeopardy! had a question on Seton Hall and Saint Elizabeth Seton! Nobody got it but I did! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY INTROSPECTIVE THURSDAY

This day was very quiet. I began by going to Dollar General in Brookfield.Didn't really find what I was looking for and found a binder but nothing else worth the money. There was a ballcap with a large American flag on the front. A closer tag bearing "Made in China" prompted me not to buy it! I came home knowing the confine of the Poodle was where I would spend my day.Josh called me on his way from Boston. I wrote a summary ' WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR A LIVING." Interesting! Didn't want to go out in the heat so I enjoyed a Lean Cuisine Apple Cranberry Chicken bowl for supper. Just now I have watched the January 6th Hearing enough to realize the truth about Trump.The guy's sick! I have had enough for the day! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN EVEN HOTTER WEDNESDAY

I LIVE BY AIR-CONDITIONING! The one thought is our electricity bills will be sky-high! I don't care as I must be comfortable. The North Brookfield Senior Center will be offering meals on Tuesday and Wednesday beginning in August. I think this is a positive move. I ate my entire meal today. Worked on my Vietnam memoirs again today. Will go to Dollar General tomorrow for some plastic sleeves. No relief from the heat in sight. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VERY HOT TUESDAY

Part of my day saw me drive into Worcester to both VA locations. First I drove to Plantation Street for Pediatry. I go in every 3 months and feel confident with the results. Next this was my first effort in driving to the new VA location.I was disappointed in no cafeteria so I shot over to McDonalds and enjoyed a cheeseburger and a straberry milk shake. My wait was well over an hour. I saw a new doctor.. a man from Ghana who was very difficult to understand.He gave me two prescriptions and I left.Came home and called Arbella with the details about the found 2008 Honda. Nothing more. Finished business. Josh invited me poolside where we visited for an hour.The grandkids played in the pool. It seemed it was cooler on Birch Hill! Tomorrow I go to NB Senior Senter.I love AC! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY STOLEN 2008 BLACK HONDA ACCORD HAS BEEN RECOVERED

The Hartford Police notified the West Brookfield Police the car is located at A&N Autobody 1516 Park Street, Hartford 860-233-7079 as I was paid for a total loss by Arbella, Ins. I have no claim.I must notify Arbella's Claim Specialist Dianne Danca 800-272-3553 extension 7525. The heat, humidity and rain made up this day. I shopped for food and did laundry and remained in air-conditioning comfort. Tomorrow I travel to Worcester to the VA for podiatry and other medical. The week looks like it will be "hotter than hell ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNDAY WITH NEW IDEAS

As we get closer to July 30th my wheels are turning! I think the invitees to my 80th birthday party are special. Folks of all ages will add a special dimension. Just now I was talking to my esteemed friend Joe Tortorelli who owns Worcester Sound & Light. I have invited Joe and am encouraging him to bring a band organ. With the expanse of 19 acres it will add a dimension not seen in the Brookfields.Thanks Tom Long. It is my pleasure. Josh & Evie took care of my grounds. Evie is so talented driving the riding mower. Tomorrow it will be Hannafords and Warren Laundry. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

REMEMBERING BILL KING

Bill King graduated from Warren High School in 1954.Today friends came to the American Legion WB to pay tribute to the Late Bill King. Friend and curator Richard Kemp along with Jeff Nickerson sponsored a chicken barbecue cookout.A good showing came including Senator Anne Gobi.My son Josh and little Evie assisted in cooking the chicken. Richard took charge of the sweet corn and everything else

. All kinds of desert was offered. I sat with Robin Tebo and husband.Only three individuals gave testimonies to Bill: Tom Long, Jeff Nickerson. and Richard Kemp whose speech was heartfelt. Well done Richard and Jeff! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MEMORIAL CHICKEN BARBEQUE FOR BILL KING

WEIGHT 157.2 LBS.. This day was a delight. After traveling to Spencer for my clean laundry I returned home to the Poodle where I enjoyed reading both newspapers. There's a feature in the USA TODAY on the high cost of college. I'll give it to Josh tomorrow when I see him.I spent time reviewing Rev. Norman Vincent Peale's life and connection with Nixon, Trump and other High Rollers. I have a different opinion now. Had a visit to the Legion where I learned about a chicken barbeque tomorrow at 2:00 for the Late Bill King. Jeff Nickerson and Richard Kemp are in charge. I plan on attending. Weather for the weekend looks favorable. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUCCESS WITH THE VA

It took me all morning of phone callls and persuasion to obtain a prescription of QUETIAPINE FUMARATE 300MG.This is serious medication and I am religious in taking it nightly.Finally I received a call saying a prescription was filled and would be ready aat 1:30. Called Josh who volunteered to drive me tp Worcester.I agreed and he picked me up with Maddie and Evie as passengers..I had to buy them each a McDonalds frappe. I agreed. The prescription was ready when I arrived.I decided it was time for me to have fried clams at Howard's in West Brookfield.I got full belly clams and a strawberry frappe made by Lily P!Received and paid my Spectrum Cable bill for $155.23.My day was excellent! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

INTERESTING PIECES OF MAIL

I received two pieces of mail worth repeating. First I receiveda bill for $11.80 from the Commonwealth of Mass for not having a pass to go through the toll gate. A picture of my plate 2HJZ18 was recorded. I must get a pass for my windshield. Second,I received a colorful POPS card from my GrandaughterSavannah Potvin in Belmont, NC.The message in Savvy's printing reads :Dear Pops, Thank you for my 20 dollers. I used them at camp. Love, Savvy. The innocense of youth is priceless! A less friendly bill was received from the VA for $120 for prescriptions.My supply of quetiapine (seroquil) is down to one remaining pill! I must contact the VA to see what happened. Nothing at the post office! It was a hot sunny day and I enjoyed eating the NB Senior Center and watching the dancers...old and young alike! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FLOMAX OR TAMSULOSIN TAKE YOUR PICK

I have a call to doctor Sanjay for a referral to a urologist.I was taking tamsulosin for years not realizing flomax was the same thing. I confirmed my July 19th @ 10.30 meeting with the podiatrist. Did laundry again in Warren. Have been reviewing my blok booklets. Now I think each grandchild will appreciate one for years to come. I find reviewing is excellent for me. If I wrote something in 2007 or 2008 things have changed in 14 years. Thunderstorms came in after supper.Moderate. Maybe more overnight.Ominous skies as darkness settles in. Spoke with sister Jan about the passing of Maurice Barfield. Found his obituary on Facebook. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY AUCTIONEER FRIEND AND BROTHER HAS DIED!

Just received word from Doerun, Georgia, that Maurice Barfield has died of a stroke at age 77. My professional relationship began in Kansas City in August of 1981 while attending Missouri Auction School. Both Maurice and I attended the school for 2 weeks.There was a bonding of Ben & Josh while swimming in the swimming pool.Four years later while attending the Certified Auctioneer Institute at Bloomington, Indiana, we connected again.From then on we became closer. In time I recruited Maurice to come to Ware to help me in an estate auction.Then another and another! His wife Mary Helen came North. Our friendship grew when Maurice landed an estate of gold and silver coins and flew me to Georgia to arrange the collection for auction.I remained at the homestead and began learning about "mashing" the brakes of his John Deere 4440 tractor. Our friendship grew.He took me to Plains, GA, where we met Jimmy Carter's cousin! We went fishing and further enjoyed the Southern way of life. As my estate auctions grew Maurice came back to help me in a major estate in Clinton. We got major media coverage.I took him to New Hampshire where I bought him a new pair of boots.Over the years our friendship grew.I returned to Doerun and further saw him visit me in Titusville, FL. at my condo. Another time up here I took him to Rietta Flea Market.And another time he came up and showed me how to "plant a garden" on the Purdy Estate in N.B. In the ensuing years we'd call each other never letting our friendship waine Now I must replace my friendship with another but I feel there'll never be another Colonel.. How many dollars am I bid? RIP Maurice. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SAN DIEGO TYPE WEATHER

This Sunday saw brilliant sunshine and low humidity.Josh called it San Diego weather and I agreed.The lawn was mowed and things are dry.IF we get rain it probably will be in the form of thunderstorms. Did my laundry in Warren. It was a busy laundromat with most of the dryers spinning.Had to wait all day for Yankee Red Sox baseball.Right now the Yankees lead the Red Sox 6-3. Been thinking about the All Star Game. My favorite was in Toronto in 1991. Joe Garagiola was master of ceremonies.It was the last day game. Since then it's played at night.Going to review my picture books. Also, I must resume my blog books and organize another book. Visited Ronnie & Chrissies and was given Swedish meat balls and mashed potatoes. Yum! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY VISIT TO THE NB HISTORICAL MUSEUM

I am glad I paid a visit to the NB Historical Museum! I arrived briefly after ten and visited with Brandon Avery.After an overview of antiques on display I asked for any books on my writings.In reviewing a collection of On The Common submissions I reviewed the many photographs I contributed 20 years ago.In doing so it pleased me. This museum is located in the basement where MAC'S tv repairs were once made.I think we deserve better! I looked at the guest book with only a few names. Once upon a time this museum had a prestigious position in the Haston Library....an antique building for the elite of North Brookfield! From the museum I went food shopping at Hannaford. Spent another fifty bucks. Back in West Brookfield I reviewed book one of my blogs from 2007.It is refreshing. Later in the afternoon I visited Josh & Heidi.This Saturday was good.The town-wide tag sale was a success.Didn't buy a thing! ROBERT LOUIS POIVIN.

MY THURSDAY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

It was GORILLA TAPE to the rescue. The newer Honda had some tears on the front leather upholstery.The Gorilla Tape did wonders. Thanks Josh. I worked on my blogs and with the 5 new 3 hole binders I am making order out of chaos. My work is organized by year and month. I figure I will have them all in order by next Friday. They I will go from there deciding if I want to give them to local libraries.Life Cuisine was my meal for supper. At 320 calories I enjoyed their Korean BBQ Beef Bowl.I ate 4 ears of corn at lunch. I replenished 10 days of pills.Looking for several in the mail.Dry Cleaning at Tony's in Spencer tomorrow. Looking for a surprise in the mail! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NORTH BROOKFIELD'S NEW LOOK

There are two new images in North Brookfield The GULF sign at the station and the incredible image of Amasa Walker's mansion (formerly the McGrail's Mohawk Motors.) Take a look and see for yourself. I love it! The NB Senior Center was hopping this noon. Old Bill and I bantered back & forth. It's healthy and with the return of our director made for good coloquy. Some feared rain on my Allante' with the roof down. Not to worry! Went over th Dollar General for a half dozen 3 ring folders for my blog. I ran across a story of Deny Long on his 67th birthday. There's virtue in reading my works. I don't know how I'll get these into the community? Maybe the libraries? Got my National Grid bill...Only $47.38. I use AC, and spare-not. Maybe next month it will FREE?! Visited Josh as he split wood. The gentle breeze was to my delight. Must get some black tape for repair to my new Honda's front seat. As far as Spectrum goes....Not Good. Jeopardy was off! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NOT A BRIGHT TUESDAY

I spent fifty dollars at Hannaford NB buying basics. Doubled up on Nutritional drinks. Resolved my Bostitch 3 hole punch and Josh came by later in the day and took care of 700 blog copies. Now I must buy folders and make some sense. I am overwhelmed. Did laundry in Warren and met a gentleman from Spencer/WB sporting a Lake Wickaboag t shirt.Think his name is Bill Brennan. Worked for the phone company. Knew Frank Poulin. Enjoyed some icecream at Howard's with Lily P. serving me.It started to spit rain as I scooted back in the Allante'.Raining heavier now. NB Senior Center for Brunch tomorrow at noon. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET FOURTH IN THE BROOKFIELDS

My Fourth of July in the Brookfields was terribly quiet! Although it was a beautiful day I did not hear from Ben or Josh! I tried to keep busy by learning how to use my Bostitch EZ Squeeze 40 3-hole punch but didn't get too far. I must contact Bostitch tomorrow. The Boston Red Sox won 4-0. It was good to see them prevail at Fenway. Drove to Birch Hill but there wasn't any activity. Everybody must have been on the lake in their boat? Bought $30 worth of gas at $4.939 a gallon. I then wiped down the Allante' and the Honda to a lesser degree. The tragedy in Highland Park, Illinois with 6 dead is absolutely horrific. The suspect looks like a crepe! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY IN JULY

Everything about this Sunday was perfect.Clear blue skies.. gentle breezes.. and a victory for the Boston Red Sox. I watched the Yankees and Sox until a call from Josh for an invite to Birch Hill. Little did I know he and Heidi were entertaining family and friends and kids.Their home saw kids in the pool while Josh cooked.I drove the red Allante' and observed two generous hosts entertain. The spirit was high.Son Ben called at six... and to think it isn't even the Fourth of July! I doubled up with my nutritional drink. Seems my blood sugar readings have improved.Getting ready to tackle my massive collection of blog entries. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BACK IN BUSINESS WITH FEEDING THE BIRDS

This Saturday saw a new approach to feeding myself and feeding the birds.First, I doubled up with nutritional drinks - Glucerna and Ensure. I have switched to whole milk. These changes should reveal a change in my weight. Enjoyed Bremen Noodles for supper. I spent $53.91 and am hopeful of seeing my weight go upward. Today I weighed in about $156 lbs. Have some special sewet to repell squirrels. Already have seen an increase in bird visitations.No squirrels! The thunder storm at 5:00 pm lasted for about an hour.Looks like the next two days should be spectacular. Clearing skies in the West. Enjoy the continued weekend. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A HOT FRIDAY IN BOSTON

My Friday in Boston was perfect. Josh drove the new Honda on the MassPike without any issues. I thought the traffic would be worse and it was coming back! At Mass General I was offered a wheelchair and boy it is the only way to travel. Dr. Dey's office is on the 9th floor and I arrived on time in my flagadilic trousers. People commented in line with The Fourth holiday. My doctor was troubled by allergy; I was troubled by weight loss. This doctor is thorough looking at all results. We talked about eating.In turn I had 2 cheeseburgers, a milkshake and Lily's black raspberry ice cream at Howards. Howard's cheeseburger is better than McDonalds! I opted not to go to the Legion. A new month with new ideas. I'll weigh in tomorrow morning. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN